History

At the start of the 20th century, 24 of Boston’s 31 breweries were in JP or Roxbury, pulling in pure, clear water from the Stony Brook. By 1964 they were all gone. Samuel Adams has been the neighborhood’s only active brewer since its founding in the mid 1980s.

Turtle Swamp Brewery founders John Lincecum and Nicholas Walther are aware of the area’s brewing history but aren’t opening their new outpost out of nostalgia. Nostalgia isn’t quite the right word,” says Walther. “We both love Jamaica Plain, and the fact we own a brewery right in our neighborhood means we can add to the history. But we chose to work and live here because of what JP is now — a diverse, exciting, livable community.

Turtle Swamp is more than beer, it’s history. Turtle Swamp was the colonial name for the lowlands between Forest Hills and Jackson Square, a “swamp” that was a perfect, natural filter for the waters that flowed through it. This crystal clear water was ideal for making beer, and many breweries flourished here. Today, Turtle Swamp Brewing is bringing beer back to the first true home of American brewing. Turtle Swamp Brewing. The Beer of Jamaica Plain.

The Beer of Jamaica Plain

At the start of the 20th century, 24 of Boston’s 31 breweries were in JP or Roxbury, pulling in pure, clear water from the Stony Brook. By 1964 they were all gone. Samuel Adams has been the neighborhood’s only active brewery since its founding in the mid 1980s.

Turtle Swamp Brewing founders John Lincecum and Nicholas Walther were aware of the area’s brewing history but weren't opening their new business out of nostalgia."Nostalgia isn’t quite the right word,” says Walther. “We both love Jamaica Plain, and the fact we own a brewery right in our own neighborhood means we can add to the history. But we chose to work and live here because of what JP is now — a diverse, exciting, livable community."

Turtle Swamp Brewing opens its doors in the heart of Jamaica Plain, bringing beer back to the first true home of American brewing. We are a neighborhood brewery that strives to be a good neighbor, while making consistent beer with high quality and local ingredients. The beer of Jamaica Plain.